Present at a press conference on Friday, on the eve of hosting Leicester in the Premier League and four days before challenging PSG in the Champions League, Mikel Arteta gave news of his injuries, but continued the suspense concerning his goalkeeper David Raya.
Having suffered a muscle injury against Manchester City last Sunday, Spanish goalkeeper David Raya was withdrawn on Wednesday during the Gunners’ 5-1 victory against Bolton (D3) in the League Cup. Also deprived of his number 2 and 3 goalkeepers for this match, Mikel Arteta decided to throw Jack Porter into the deep end, who at 16 years and 72 days became the youngest player to start an official match with the London club.
This Saturday against Leicester City (6th day of the Premier League, 4 p.m.), Arteta will be able to use his number 2 goalkeeper Neto, who was not qualified for the League Cup but can play in the championship. And David Raya? “We have to wait another 24 hours”Arteta repeated twice this Friday at a press conference when he was asked about his Spanish goalkeeper.
Raya uncertain for Arsenal/Leicester and Arsenal/PSG
And when a journalist asked him if there was a question of not taking any risks before the Arsenal/PSG clash next Tuesday, the Spanish coach replied: “It’s not a question of risk, but simply whether the player is physically ready and available. When we have that clarity for Leicester, which is our main concern at the moment, we will make the decision. »
If Arteta maintained the mystery for his starting goalkeeper, he was more transparent regarding his defenders Jurrien Timber and Ben Whitealso spared in recent days due to physical problems: “Jurrien was able to participate in training today, so he will be available in the squad. I hope Ben White is too. »
Finally, the Gunners coach was also asked about his compatriot Mikel Merinowho injured his shoulder upon his arrival at Arsenal at the end of August. The Spanish European champion, whom PSG encountered in the Champions League last season under the jersey of Real Sociedad, was supposed to be absent until the end of October.
Merino back next week?
According to Arteta, his return could take place next week: “ For tomorrow (Saturday), it’s too early, we’ll see next week, he trained partially today”confided the Spaniard, before adding: “He has worked very hard, it is about the healing of the bone and whether it is mature enough to be exposed to contact”. As it stands, however, it’s difficult to imagine Merino returning for Tuesday’s clash against PSG. Ditto for Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasuwho also partially resumed training this Friday according to his coach.
Next Tuesday against PSG, Arsenal will certainly be deprived of at least three players: Kieran TierneyMartin Odegaard that Oleksandr Zinchenkoall injured. Mikel Merino and Takehiro Tomiyasu will probably be too fair while David Raya is uncertain, but we should know more quickly about the Spanish goalkeeper.
